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When my partner washes jumpers (pure wool and others) she nearly always seems to make them shrink. She's tried many different types of detergents, including those specifically designed for woollen garments, but it makes no difference.

Does anybody have any tips on how you can wash woollens without them shrinking?

Or better still how you can unshrink already shrunken ones? (though I suspect that can't be done!!!).

Itís hard to say what the problem really is now, it seems like you will have to dismantle your washing machine to detect it. But itís not easy to do on your own; itís really better to contact a professional. For example, these guys: https://appliancenj.com; Iíve contacted them more than once before.

When my partner washes jumpers (pure wool and others) she nearly always seems to make them shrink. She's tried many different types of detergents, including those specifically designed for woollen garments, but it makes no difference.

It isn't the heat as much as how much agitation the washer does - the heat swells the fibre and then the agitation rubs the fibres/mashes them into felt, which causes the 'shrink'. You could try putting your shrunken garment into lukewarm water, wetting thoroughly until it relaxes and then add some hair conditioner and swish it about a bit. No wringing, gently press or roll moisture out and then reshape your garment on a non-fluffy towel, roll it up and gently squeeze. Have a look - if it has well and truly felted then there's no way back - but I've revived knitwear this way.

Always use the wool programme and if you can wash at 0C/unheated water - then do so.

Kerri - rolling/blotting stuff in a towel is a brilliant way to launder something in a hurry (like if you're on hols) - if you pull the garment out flat, smooth, roll and then hang on a hanger while damp - sorted

I've got a couple of jumpers which have shrunk so am going to try the fillers earth trick. I've ordered a bag online for less than a fiver and if it doesn't work apparently it also makes great face packs and bath salts!

I'll try and remember to post some before and after pics when it arrives and I've tried it out. I mean of the jumpers not my complexion that is

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